U.S. patent application number 15/984753 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-20 for commissioning device for piece goods.
The applicant listed for this patent is CareFusion Germany 326 GmbH. Invention is credited to Christoph Hellenbrand.
Application Number | 20180265292 15/984753 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56367006 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180265292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hellenbrand; Christoph |
September 20, 2018 |
COMMISSIONING DEVICE FOR PIECE GOODS
Abstract
A commissioning device having a first shelf row with horizontal
shelf surfaces and at least one second shelf row with multiple
shelf surfaces disposed one above the other and forming storage
shafts. A lane formed between the first and the second shelf rows
includes an operating unit movably disposed in the lane. The
commissioning device also includes an input device, an output
device and an auxiliary output device. The operating unit includes
a gripping device for inputting and/or outputting piece goods onto
or from the horizontal shelf surfaces and for filling the goods
into the storage shafts. A control unit coupled to the operating
unit is configured to output identical piece goods in a row from
the horizontal shelf surfaces, to input the piece goods into the
storage shafts and to output and transfer one or more piece goods
located on the horizontal shelf surfaces to the auxiliary output
device.
Inventors: |
Hellenbrand; Christoph;
(Kaifenheim, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CareFusion Germany 326 GmbH |
Kelberg |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
56367006 |
Appl. No.: |
15/984753 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14593717 |
Jan 9, 2015 |
9975698 |
|
|
15984753 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/0092 20130101;
B65G 1/137 20130101; B65G 1/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65G 1/06 20060101
B65G001/06; G07F 17/00 20060101 G07F017/00; B65G 1/137 20060101
B65G001/137 |
Claims
1. A commissioning device, comprising: a first shelf row comprising
one or more first shelf surfaces; a second shelf row comprising one
or more second shelf surfaces; a plurality of parallel storage
shafts disposed on each second shelf surface; a gripping device
movably disposed in a lane between the first and second shelf rows,
the gripping device comprising: a holding surface having opposite
loading edges; a gripper configured to input and output piece goods
onto or from the first shelf surfaces; and a pushing device
configured to push piece goods onto the holding surface, wherein a
transport path for piece goods is formed between the loading edges
and wherein the holding surface traverses the entire width of the
lane; an input device configured to move piece goods into the
commissioning device; an output device configured to output piece
goods from the storage shafts along a main output path; an
auxiliary output device configured to output piece goods held by
the gripping device along an auxiliary output path; and a control
unit configured to control the gripping device for inputting and
outputting piece goods.
2. The commissioning device of claim 1, wherein each parallel
storage shaft includes a gate disposed at a shaft end, the gate
configured to hold and release piece goods stored in the storage
shaft.
3. The commissioning device of claim 1, wherein the gripping device
is configured to input piece goods onto the first shelf surfaces,
output piece goods from the first shelf surfaces, and fill piece
goods into the storage shafts.
4. The commissioning device of claim 1, the gripping device further
configured to remove identical piece goods lying in a row from the
one or more first shelf surfaces and place the removed piece goods
into the storage shafts.
5. The commissioning device of claim 1, the gripping device further
configured to output one or more piece goods located on the one or
more first shelf surfaces and transfer the output piece goods to
the auxiliary output device.
6. The commissioning device of claim 1, the gripping device further
configured to remove piece goods from the input device.
7. The commissioning device of claim 1, wherein the pushing device
comprises two pushing members, a first pushing member configured to
move piece goods in a first direction on the holding surface and a
second pushing member configured to move piece goods in a second
direction on the holding surface.
8. The commissioning device of claim 7, the first and second
pushing members each comprising a pushing finger configured to be
movable past at least one of the loading edges.
9. The commissioning device of claim 7, the first and second
pushing members each configured to be movable in a notch of the
holding surface and under the holding surface.
10. The commissioning device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary
output device is disposed on a second shelf surface.
11. The commissioning device of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary
output device comprises a storage shaft without a gate.
12. The commissioning device of claim 1, wherein the second shelf
surfaces incline downward away from the lane.
13. The commissioning device of claim 12, wherein the inclined
shelf surfaces of the second shelf row are configured to form
storage shafts of varying heights.
14. A method for outputting piece goods from a commissioning
device, the method comprising: receiving, by a control unit, an
output request for at least one piece good; determining, by the
control unit, whether the at least one piece good to be output is a
shaft good or a shelf good; if it is determined that the good is a
shelf good, grasping and transferring a number of the at least one
piece goods corresponding to the output request to an auxiliary
output device by a gripping device; if it is determined that the
good is a shaft good, determining whether there is a corresponding
number of the at least one piece goods stored in one or more
storage shafts; if it is determined that a corresponding number of
the at least one piece goods is stored in the storage shafts,
outputting the number of the at least one piece goods corresponding
to the output request out of the commissioning device and onto an
output device; and if it is determined that a corresponding number
of the at least one piece goods is not stored in the storage
shafts, grasping and outputting a plurality of the at least one
piece goods stored on horizontal shelf surfaces corresponding to
the output request by the gripping device.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising outputting the piece
goods not stored in the storage shafts by: moving the gripping
device to the auxiliary output device; and transferring a number of
piece goods corresponding to the output request to the auxiliary
output device and outputting the piece goods.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising outputting the piece
goods not stored in the storage shafts by: moving the gripping
device to a storage shaft; transferring all piece goods in the
storage shaft; and actuating a gate at an end of an inclined
storage shaft or shafts such that a number of piece goods
corresponding to the output request are output onto the output
device.
17. A method for outputting piece goods from a commissioning
device, the method comprising: providing a commissioning device
comprising a first shelf row comprising one or more first shelf
surfaces, a second shelf row comprising one or more second shelf
surfaces, a plurality of parallel storage shafts disposed on each
second shelf surface, each of the storage shafts comprising a gate
disposed at an end, the gate configured to hold and release piece
goods stored in the storage shaft, an operating unit configured to
be movable in a lane disposed between the first and second shelf
rows, the operating unit comprising a gripping device configured to
input piece goods onto the first shelf surfaces, output piece goods
from the first shelf surfaces, and fill piece goods into the
storage shafts, an input device configured to move piece goods into
the commissioning device, an output device configured to output
piece goods from the storage shafts along a main output path, an
auxiliary output device configured to output piece goods held by
the operating unit along an auxiliary output path, and a control
unit configured to control the operating unit for inputting and
outputting piece goods; receiving an output request for at least
one piece good; determining, by the control unit, whether the at
least one piece good to be output is a shaft good or a shelf good;
if it is determined that the good is a shelf good, grasping and
transferring a number of the at least one piece goods corresponding
to the output request to the auxiliary output device by the
operating unit; if it is determined that the good is a shaft good,
determining whether there is a corresponding number of the at least
one piece goods stored in the storage shafts; if it is determined
that a corresponding number of the at least one piece goods is
stored in the storage shafts, outputting the number of the at least
one piece goods corresponding to the output request out of the
commissioning device and onto the output device; and if it is
determined that a corresponding number of the at least one piece
goods is not stored in the storage shafts, grasping and outputting
a plurality of the at least one piece goods stored on horizontal
shelf surfaces corresponding to the output request by the operating
unit.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising outputting the piece
goods not stored in the storage shafts by: moving the operating
unit to the auxiliary output device; and transferring a number of
piece goods corresponding to the output request to the auxiliary
output device and outputting the piece goods.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising outputting the piece
goods not stored in the storage shafts by: moving the operating
unit to a storage shaft; transferring all piece goods in the
storage shaft; and actuating the gate of an inclined storage shaft
or shafts such that a number of piece goods corresponding to the
output request are output onto the output device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/593,717 filed on Jan. 9, 2015, which is
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to a commissioning device
and methods for outputting piece goods and in particular, a
commissioning device and methods for outputting medicinal packages
from storage.
[0003] In many medical treatment settings, it is desirable to
provide a commissioning device that uses storage shafts and that
can also store and output medicinal packages that are not
compatible with storage shafts, or that have a much lower output
frequency than that of medicinal packages stored in the storage
shafts.
SUMMARY
[0004] The disclosed embodiments provide a commissioning device for
piece goods. In some embodiments, the commissioning device includes
a first shelf row comprising one or more first shelf surfaces, a
second shelf row comprising one or more second shelf surfaces, a
plurality of parallel storage shafts disposed on each second shelf
surface, and a gripping device movably disposed in a lane between
the first and second shelf rows. The gripping device includes a
holding surface having opposite loading edges, a gripper configured
to input and output piece goods onto or from the first shelf
surfaces, and a pushing device configured to push piece goods onto
the holding surface, wherein a transport path for piece goods is
formed between the loading edges and wherein the holding surface
traverses the entire width of the lane. The commissioning device
also includes an input device configured to move piece goods into
the commissioning device, an output device configured to output
piece goods from the storage shafts along a main output path, an
auxiliary output device configured to output piece goods held by
the gripping device along an auxiliary output path, and a control
unit configured to control the gripping device for inputting and
outputting piece goods.
[0005] The disclosed embodiments provide methods for outputting
piece goods from a commissioning device. Some methods include
receiving, by a control unit, an output request for at least one
piece good; determining, by the control unit, whether the at least
one piece good to be output is a shaft good or a shelf good; if it
is determined that the good is a shelf good, grasping and
transferring a number of the at least one piece goods corresponding
to the output request to an auxiliary output device by a gripping
device; if it is determined that the good is a shaft good,
determining whether there is a corresponding number of the at least
one piece goods stored in one or more storage shafts; if it is
determined that a corresponding number of the at least one piece
goods is stored in the storage shafts, outputting the number of the
at least one piece goods corresponding to the output request out of
the commissioning device and onto an output device; and if it is
determined that a corresponding number of the at least one piece
goods is not stored in the storage shafts, grasping and outputting
a plurality of the at least one piece goods stored on horizontal
shelf surfaces corresponding to the output request by the gripping
device.
[0006] The disclosed embodiments provide methods for outputting
piece goods from a commissioning device. Some methods include
providing a commissioning device comprising a first shelf row
comprising one or more first shelf surfaces, a second shelf row
comprising one or more second shelf surfaces, a plurality of
parallel storage shafts disposed on each second shelf surface, each
of the storage shafts comprising a gate disposed at an end, the
gate configured to hold and release piece goods stored in the
storage shaft, an operating unit configured to be movable in a lane
disposed between the first and second shelf rows, the operating
unit comprising a gripping device configured to input piece goods
onto the first shelf surfaces, output piece goods from the first
shelf surfaces, and fill piece goods into the storage shafts, an
input device configured to move piece goods into the commissioning
device, an output device configured to output piece goods from the
storage shafts along a main output path, an auxiliary output device
configured to output piece goods held by the operating unit along
an auxiliary output path, and a control unit configured to control
the operating unit for inputting and outputting piece goods. The
methods also include receiving an output request for at least one
piece good; determining, by the control unit, whether the at least
one piece good to be output is a shaft good or a shelf good; if it
is determined that the good is a shelf good, grasping and
transferring a number of the at least one piece goods corresponding
to the output request to the auxiliary output device by the
operating unit; if it is determined that the good is a shaft good,
determining whether there is a corresponding number of the at least
one piece goods stored in the storage shafts; if it is determined
that a corresponding number of the at least one piece goods is
stored in the storage shafts, outputting the number of the at least
one piece goods corresponding to the output request out of the
commissioning device and onto the output device; and if it is
determined that a corresponding number of the at least one piece
goods is not stored in the storage shafts, grasping and outputting
a plurality of the at least one piece goods stored on horizontal
shelf surfaces corresponding to the output request by the operating
unit.
[0007] The foregoing and other features, aspects and advantages of
the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent from the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
commissioning device;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the
commissioning device of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the commissioning
device of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the commissioning device of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the commissioning device
of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a side view of the commissioning device of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a gripping
device;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the gripping device of FIG.
7;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment
of inclined storage shafts;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
commissioning device;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the
commissioning device of FIG. 10;
[0019] FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B, 15A and 15B are
illustrations of outputting piece goods using an embodiment of a
commissioning device; and
[0020] FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating steps in a method for
outputting piece goods using an embodiment of a commissioning
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The detailed description set forth below describes various
configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to
represent the only configurations in which the subject technology
may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific
details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of
the subject technology. Accordingly, dimensions are provided in
regard to certain aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject
technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some
instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block
diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the
subject technology.
[0022] It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes
examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of
the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will
now be disclosed according to particular but non-limiting examples.
Various embodiments described in the present disclosure may be
carried out in different ways and variations, and in accordance
with a desired application or implementation.
[0023] Automated commissioning equipment is used frequently in
pharmacies in order to store medicinal packages in a way that saves
space. In typical commissioning devices applicable to pharmacies,
the medicinal packages are stored chaotically. In other words, the
medicinal packages are not stored in pre-determined storage spaces
in the device, but rather in storage spaces with just the right
amount of space. Excess empty volume can be avoided this way and
the number of stored medicinal packages per square foot of surface
area can be considerably increased. The commissioning devices that
operate according to this system include a complex storage system
that assigns storage spaces optimally. However, commissioning
devices that operate in this manner are unsuitable for medicine
distribution centers or large pharmacies that have a very high
output frequency (e.g., high number of medicinal packages per unit
of time) since the chaotically stored medicinal packages cannot be
output fast enough.
[0024] Therefore, when there are very high output frequencies, the
commissioning systems that are used are those with so-called shaft
systems in which the medicines are selectively stored. Each storage
shaft preferably has a gate at the lower end thereof controllable
by an operating unit, the gate allowing one or more medicinal
package to be discharged from the storage shaft. The number of
different medicines that can be stored using a commissioning device
with selective storage shafts corresponds at most to the number of
selective storage shafts. However, for typical commissioning
devices that use storage shafts, medicinal packages cannot be
stored in them if the packages cannot be stored in a shaft. For
example, packages of a special shape, packages that need to be
cooled, or packages that are not dispensed very often such that
storage in a selective shaft would not make sense.
[0025] Accordingly, a commissioning device is provided that uses
storage shafts and may also store and output medicinal packages
that are not compatible with storage shafts or that have a much
lower output frequency than that of medicinal packages stored in
the storage shafts.
[0026] The commissioning device includes at least a first shelf row
with at least a first shelf, the shelf having a plurality of shelf
surfaces disposed one above the other, each of said self surfaces
extending in the horizontal plane, and at least a second shelf row
with at least a second shelf, the second shelf having a plurality
of shelf surfaces disposed one above the other, each of said second
shelf surfaces extending in a plane. When the commissioning device
includes a plurality of shelves per shelf row, all of the shelves
may be configured to be identical, but it is also configurable for
different shelves with shelf surfaces separated by different
distances to be installed, for example.
[0027] A lane is configured between the first and the second shelf
rows, with a horizontally and vertically movable operating unit
being disposed in the lane at a corresponding guide member. The
lane is defined by the ends (e.g., loading edges) of the shelf
surfaces, the ends normally located in a vertical plane for each
shelf row such that the planes of opposing shelf rows run parallel
to one another.
[0028] The commissioning device further includes at least one input
device for moving piece goods into the commissioning device, the
operating unit configured to remove piece goods from the input
device. Also included are at least one output device configured to
output piece goods from the second shelf row, among others, and at
least one auxiliary output device configured to output along an
auxiliary output path piece goods that are taken up by operating
unit. Multiple parallel storage shafts are configured on each shelf
surface of the second shelf row, each of the storage shafts having
at its respective end a gate for holding and releasing piece goods
lying in the storage shaft. From the storage shafts, piece goods
may be output along a main output path by way of the output
device.
[0029] The operating unit of the commissioning device includes a
gripping device for inputting and/or outputting piece goods onto or
from the horizontal shelf surfaces, and for filling piece goods
into the storage shafts or routing the piece goods onto the
auxiliary output device. The operating unit also includes a
controller coupled to the operating unit, the controller
controlling the operating unit in inputting and outputting the
piece goods. The control unit is configured such that the operating
unit is controllable for the purposes of outputting from the
horizontal shelf surfaces identical piece goods that lie in a row
and for inputting the piece goods into the inclined storage shafts,
and for outputting one or more piece goods located on the
horizontal shelf surfaces and transferring these piece goods to the
auxiliary output device.
[0030] Thus, in the commissioning device two kinds of storage
spaces are combined. For example, the storage shafts of the second
storage shelf row and the horizontal shelf surfaces of the first
shelf row. Medicinal packages with a high output frequency are
stored by type in the storage shafts. An excess supply of medicinal
packages to be stored in the storage shafts may be placed on the
horizontal shelf surfaces (e.g., an amount in addition to the piece
goods located in the storage shafts), or medicinal packages that
cannot be stored in storage shafts or that cannot be output thereby
may be placed on the horizontal shelf surfaces. Further, medicinal
packages that may be located or stored on the horizontal shelf
surfaces are those for which the output frequency is too low to be
stored in the storage shafts, for which the weight of the medicinal
package is too heavy, or for which there is no storage shaft
available based on dimensions of the medicinal package.
[0031] The piece goods with high output frequency are output by way
of the storage shafts. However, to output piece goods that cannot
be output by way of storage shafts or goods that are not stored in
an inclined shaft due to a low output frequency, the commissioning
device includes an auxiliary output device to which piece goods may
be fed using the operating unit. The piece goods are then moved out
of the commissioning device along an auxiliary output path by way
of this auxiliary output device.
[0032] The commissioning device may store and output piece goods
(e.g., medicinal packages) with a high output frequency in the
storage shafts, as well as piece goods with a low output frequency
or goods that cannot be output using the inclined storage shafts
together in a single commissioning device without reducing the
output rate of the commissioning device. Piece goods with a high
output frequency may be output using the storage shafts, each of
which is provided with a gate, while in parallel, the piece goods
stored on the horizontal shelf surfaces may be output by way of the
auxiliary output device using the operating unit.
[0033] Piece goods that are stored in the shafts, and if necessary,
on the horizontal shelf surfaces as excess supply, are herein
defined as "shaft goods." Piece goods that are stored on a
horizontal shelf surface because of the conditions mentioned above
are herein defined as "shelf goods." While the packages described
herein are in the context of medicinal packages, other kinds of
piece goods may also be processed using the commissioning
device.
[0034] The piece goods are output from the storage shafts by
releasing the gate and moving the piece goods out of the shaft
using an appropriate device associated with the storage shaft
(e.g., when the shaft is horizontal).
[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the commissioning device, the
shelf surfaces of the second shelf row are configured at an incline
downward away from the lane (e.g., inclined storage shafts). This
provides for outputting the piece goods by opening the gate
associated with a storage shaft. The piece good drops out of the
storage shaft and onto the output device by gravity due to the
incline of the storage shaft. In other embodiments, the second
shelf row may be configured to combine shelves with horizontal
shelf surfaces and shelves with inclined shelf surfaces.
[0036] As previously discussed, a lane is formed between the first
and the second shelf rows, with the operating unit being movable
therein horizontally and vertically on a corresponding guide. In
order to move piece goods easily and quickly from the horizontal
shelf surfaces to the storage shafts (e.g., inclined storage
shafts), that is to move piece goods from the excess supply to the
storage locations from which they are ultimately output, a
preferred embodiment provides that the gripping device of the
operating unit includes a horizontal holding surface with opposing
loading edges, a gripper for inputting and outputting the piece
goods onto and from the horizontal shelf surfaces and a pushing
device for pushing piece goods onto the holding surface. A
transport path is formed for piece goods between the loading edges
and the holding surface extends over the entire width of the lane.
Thus, the loading edges of the holding surface align with loading
edges of the horizontal shelf surfaces or shafts such that piece
goods may be moved onto or from the horizontal shelf surfaces or
from the holding surface into the shafts without moving the holding
surface. This is achieved by aligning the width of the holding
surface with the width of the lane. For example, keeping the
distance between the loading edges of the holding surface and the
ends and loading edges of the shelf rows small enough that
preferably no piece goods may get wedged in the gap between the
loading edges, but not so small that the operating unit cannot
freely move in the lane (keeping in mind that some shelf surfaces
may extend slightly wider into the lane than others).
[0037] Thus, it is not necessary for the gripping device to be
pivoted about a horizontal pivoting axis after the piece goods are
moved to the holding surface in order to feed the piece goods to
the storage shafts over the same loading edge. The commissioning
device provides for the piece goods to be moved to the shafts using
the pushing device after the goods are moved to the holding surface
by way of the gripper. To this end, a transport path is provided
between the loading edges of the holding surface. Thus, piece goods
may be fed from the horizontal shelf surfaces to the storage shafts
or to the auxiliary output device very quickly.
[0038] Occasionally, it is desirable to transfer piece goods stored
on the horizontal shelf surfaces as excess supply for piece goods
stored in the storage shafts (e.g., in order to move the goods
closer to the storage shaft through which they are ultimately
output). To support the movement of piece goods from the holding
surface to the horizontal shelf surfaces, a preferred embodiment
provides that the pushing device includes two pushing members for
moving piece goods from the holding surface in opposite directions.
For example, in one case to the storage shafts and in the other
case onto the horizontal shelf surfaces.
[0039] In some embodiments, the pushing members of the gripping
device may be moved in a notch of the holding surface and also
beneath the notch. In some embodiments, the pushing members are
disposed and movable at a point on the gripping device which is
otherwise free of other components. The gripper is located at the
side surfaces of the holding surface (e.g., if the gripper is a
jaw-type gripper) so that a good distribution of individual
components of the gripping device is achieved.
[0040] The pushing members are used to feed the piece goods located
on the holding surface to the storage shafts and elsewhere. In
inclined storage shafts, the piece goods slide down to the gate or
to a piece good already located in the storage shaft by the force
of gravity. In order to guarantee that the piece goods slide into
the inclined storage shafts by the force of gravity, in particular
in the case of very small and/or light piece goods, a preferred
embodiment provides that a pushing member includes a pushing finger
that may be movable over a loading edge. This ensures that when
moving a piece good from the holding surface to an inclined storage
shaft, the center of gravity of the piece good is moved out over
the loading edge so that the piece good slides down the inclined
storage shaft.
[0041] To provide for piece goods of different dimensions to be
stored, a preferred embodiment provides that the inclined shelf
surfaces of the second shelf row are configured such that storage
shafts of different heights are formed.
[0042] Piece goods that are output using the auxiliary output
device are those that may either not be output using an inclined
storage shaft (e.g., because of shape) or for which the output
frequency is so low that storing the piece goods in a storage shaft
does not make sense. The auxiliary output device may be configured
as a slide next to the second shelf row, for example. Piece goods
may be led from the operating unit to the actual output device or
out of the commissioning device. However, in preferred embodiments
the auxiliary output device is configured on the shelf surface of
the second shelf row. In these preferred embodiments, therefore,
part of a shelf surface is not provided as a storage shaft, but
rather the auxiliary output device is configured in this area. In
these embodiments, the auxiliary output device is therefore not
embodied by a stand-alone component, but by existing components. In
this regard, in an especially preferred embodiment the auxiliary
output device is configured as an inclined storage shaft without a
gate.
[0043] Methods of using a commissioning device as described above
are also contemplated. In response to an output request (e.g., a
request for outputting a certain number of piece goods) for one or
more piece goods by the control unit of the commissioning device, a
determination is made as to whether the at least one piece good to
be output is a shaft good or a shelf good. The output request may
be transmitted to the control unit through a cabled or wireless
network connection, for example.
[0044] After the determination is made as to whether the at least
one piece good to be output is a shaft good or a shelf good, if it
is a shelf good a number of piece goods corresponding to the output
request are collected by the operating unit and transferred to the
auxiliary output device. To this end, the corresponding number of
piece goods are moved to the holding surface using the gripper of
the operating unit, and then transferred to the auxiliary output
device which outputs the piece goods, or the outputting may be by
way of the actual output device of the commissioning device.
Alternatively, the commissioning device may also be configured such
that the auxiliary output device ends at a removal point (e.g., the
outputting is executed without any intermediate switching of the
actual output device). One piece good or multiple piece goods
(e.g., shelf goods) may be output according to the output request,
wherein the outputting may occur in succession or in parallel
(e.g., if there are multiple operating units) depending on the
precise configuration of the commissioning device. If there is only
one operating unit, either each piece good is output individually
or first all piece goods are moved to the holding surface (e.g.,
from different horizontal shelf surfaces if necessary) and then
transferred together from the holding surface to the auxiliary
output device.
[0045] If the piece goods to be output are shaft goods (e.g., piece
goods that are normally stored in the storage shafts), a
determination is first made as to whether a number of piece goods
corresponding to the output request are stored in the storage
shafts. If so, a number of piece goods corresponding to the output
request are output onto the output device and therefrom out of the
device by actuating the gate or the gates of the storage shaft or
shafts in which the piece goods are stored, and if necessary, by
actuating a corresponding device for moving the piece goods out of
the storage shaft. For the case that a number of piece goods
corresponding to the output request are not stored in the storage
shafts, a plurality of piece goods stored on the horizontal shelf
surfaces (e.g., goods from the excess supply) are grasped by the
operating unit and a number of piece goods corresponding to the
output request is output.
[0046] The plurality of piece goods may be precisely the number of
piece goods requested, which are then output. However, more piece
goods than the number requested may be removed from the excess
supply. The requested piece goods are output, and the excess piece
goods are moved to the storage shaft for subsequent output
requests.
[0047] The requested number of piece goods may be only partially
available in the storage shafts. In this case, the portion of
requested piece goods still available in the storage shafts may be
output using the shafts and the remaining portion may be removed
and output from the horizontal shelf surfaces.
[0048] The piece goods not stored in the storage shafts are output
by moving the operating unit to the auxiliary output device and
transferring a number of piece goods corresponding to the output
request to the auxiliary output device and outputting them.
Alternatively, the piece goods not stored in the storage shafts may
be output by moving the operating unit to a storage shaft,
transferring all piece goods to the storage shaft and actuating the
gate of the inclined storage shaft such that a number of piece
goods corresponding to the output request onto the output device
may be output (e.g., by the force of gravity for inclined storage
shafts or using a corresponding device for horizontal storage
shafts).
[0049] It is further contemplated that if the number of piece goods
stored in the storage shafts does not correspond to the output
request, a plurality of piece goods corresponding to the output
request is removed from the horizontal shelf surfaces (e.g., from
the excess supply) using the operating unit, a number of piece
goods corresponding to the output request are output (e.g., using
the auxiliary output device or using the storage shafts) and the
piece goods still located on the holding surface of the gripping
device are moved to an inclined storage shaft. In this case, the
requested piece goods are output and in addition other piece goods
are placed in an inclined storage location.
[0050] The input device may be configured such that a plurality of
identical piece goods may be arranged next to one another on the
input device in order to fill the storage shafts. Here, the input
device may be much wider than a normal piece good (e.g., 5-8 times
the width of a normal piece good). Alternatively, the piece goods
may also be placed individually on the input device, particularly
when shelf goods are to be input.
[0051] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a commissioning device 1,
wherein some non-essential elements of the commissioning device,
such as portions of the framework structure 2 and some of the
exterior paneling 3, are omitted. The commissioning device 1
includes a first shelf row 10 with multiple shelves, each of which
includes multiple shelf surfaces 11 disposed one above the other
and that extend in a horizontal plane. While only one shelf surface
11 is indicated in FIG. 1, other shelf surfaces may be disposed
above the shelf surface shown. The individual shelves of the first
shelf row 10 are formed by shelf walls 12 and the multiple shelf
surfaces 11. In the embodiment shown, all end edges (e.g., loading
edges) of the shelf surfaces are located in a vertical plane. For
example, all shelf surfaces may extend equally far into the
commissioning device.
[0052] The embodiment of the commissioning device shown in FIG. 1
includes two input devices 60, 61 configured as conveyor belts and
which are integrated into the first shelf row. For example, there
are shelves provided above and below the two input devices 60, 61,
the shelves including horizontal shelf surfaces 11. The input
devices 60, 61 are disposed and dimensioned such that the input
devices 60, 61 end flush with the vertical planes mentioned above
(e.g., because of the device widths). A corresponding arrangement
of input devices and shelf surfaces makes it particularly easy to
remove piece goods from the input devices and to place the piece
goods onto the shelf surfaces.
[0053] Opposite the first shelf row 10 is a second shelf row 20
that comprises a plurality of shelves with inclined shelf surfaces
21, wherein in the embodiment shown only one inclined shelf surface
21 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the end edges (e.g., loading
edges) of the inclined shelf surfaces that are turned into the
commissioning device also end in a vertical plane, wherein this
plane runs parallel to the plane defined by the end edges of the
horizontal shelf surfaces.
[0054] Multiple storage shafts 22 are formed on each shelf surface
21, each shaft having a gate 23 at a lower end 24 of the shaft
(e.g., the gate being coupled to a control unit not shown in FIG.
1) for holding and releasing piece goods lying in the storage shaft
22. Below the inclined shelf surface is an output device 70 onto
which the piece goods located in the inclined storage shafts fall
when the gates of the inclined storage shafts are actuated, and by
way of which the requested piece goods are moved out of the
commissioning device 1. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
output device 70 is configured as a conveyor belt.
[0055] Between the first and the second shelf rows 10, 20 is a lane
30, the width of which is defined by the distance between the two
vertical planes and into which an operating unit 40 may travel
horizontally and vertically at a corresponding guide 41. In FIG. 1,
a horizontal guide 41 of the operating unit 40 in particular can be
seen.
[0056] The commissioning device 1 further includes an auxiliary
output device 80 which allows for the outputting of piece goods, in
particular those which are not stored in the inclined storage
shafts 22 since the piece goods are either not capable of being
stored in the inclined storage shafts 22, for example because of
shape, or which are so seldom output or requested that inputting
these piece goods in the inclined storage shafts 22 is not
desirable because the inclined storage shafts 22 may be better
occupied by frequently requested piece goods. In the embodiment
shown, the auxiliary output device 80 is formed on an inclined
shelf surface 21 as a storage shaft with a lower end having no
gate. If a piece good is to be output by way of the auxiliary
output device 80, the piece good is removed from a horizontal shelf
surface 11 by the operating unit 40 (which is described in more
detail below) and fed to the auxiliary output device 80, along
which the piece good slides onto the output device 70. In
alternative embodiments, the auxiliary output device 80 may be
disposed next to the second shelf row 20 as a "stand-alone"
component, for example. This can be a necessity when piece goods
that are stored and output by way of the auxiliary output device 80
have dimensions that prevent the piece goods from being output
between the inclined shelf surfaces 21 due to the arrangement
thereof.
[0057] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1, in which the upper half of the commissioning device 1 is
omitted. In this sectional view in particular, the arrangement of
horizontal shelf surfaces 11 of the first shelf row 10 can be seen.
It is further clear that the ends of the horizontal shelf surfaces
11 and the sides of the output devices 60, 61 all lie in a plane.
As can be seen in this view, each input device 60, 61 includes an
associated identification device 100 for determining data on the
piece goods 6 lying on the input device 60, 61 (e.g., dimensions of
the piece goods, identification of piece goods, number of piece
goods). It can also be seen that each input device 61, 60 includes
an outer area 62 that protrudes beyond the leading front of the
commissioning device 1 and on which the piece goods 6 to be input
are placed for inputting, wherein the normal process is such that a
plurality of identical piece goods 6 is placed. The identical piece
goods are moved into the commissioning device 1 using the input
device 60, 61. In the commissioning device 1, the piece goods 6 are
removed from the input device 60, 61 together by the operating unit
40 if they are identical piece goods 6 and are fed to an inclined
storage shaft 22 or a horizontal shelf storage 11.
[0058] In FIG. 2, there are a few shelf-type piece goods 7 arranged
on the horizontal shelf surfaces and four shaft-type piece goods 6
are indicated on the upper input device. Here, it can be seen how
the shaft-type piece goods 6 in particular are advantageously
placed on the input device 60,61, namely identical shaft-type piece
goods 6 all in a row so that all four shaft-type piece goods 6 may
be grasped by the operating unit 40 and moved to the pre-determined
inclined storage shaft 22 at the same time.
[0059] FIG. 3 shows an alternative perspective view of the
embodiment already shown in FIG. 1. This view shows the
commissioning device 1 from another side. There are otherwise no
difference between the views according to FIGS. 1 and 3.
[0060] FIG. 4 shows a rear view of the embodiment of the
commissioning device 1, with the inside of the commissioning device
1 being visible with the exterior panels 2 being omitted. The two
shelf rows 10, 20 can be seen disposed opposite one another, with
only one shelf surface 21 of the second shelf row 20 being shown.
Formed between the first and the second shelf rows 10, 20 is the
lane 30 in which the operating unit 40 may travel horizontally and
vertically, wherein this figure shows a vertical guide 42 in
particular for the operating unit 40. The operating unit 40
includes a gripping device 50, which is easily seen in the rear
view. The gripping device 50 completely traverses the lane 30,
being thereby capable of traversing the distance between the first
shelf row 10 and the second shelf row 20 while ensuring freedom of
motion in the lane 30. As can be easily seen in this
representation, the inclined shelf surfaces 21 of the second shelf
row 20 are inclined outward away from the lane 30 to the output
device 70. In this representation, it is also easily seen that
access to both input devices 60, 61 is possible using the gripping
device 50. The horizontal shelf surfaces 11 and the input devices
60, 61 extend up to the same vertical plane. The same applies to
all of the inclined shelf surfaces 21.
[0061] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the commissioning device 1. As
can be seen in this front view, both input devices 60, 61 are
disposed below a display unit 110, one atop the other. A variety of
kinds of information about the commissioning device 1 may be
displayed using the display unit 110, and the display unit 110 is
coupled to an input device (not shown). Below the input devices 60,
61 is the control unit 90, which is covered by part of the panel 3
of the commissioning device 1. The control unit 90 is coupled to
the input devices 60, 61, the output device 70, the display unit
110 and the operating unit 40, among other things.
[0062] A door opening 4 is provided in the front side of the
commissioning device 1 for entering the commissioning device 1 in
case of a disruption or for maintenance purposes. There is also
another opening 5 provided in the front side off the commissioning
device 1 through which part of the output device 70 extends, and
through which piece goods are moved out of the commissioning device
1.
[0063] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the embodiment of the
commissioning device 1 already shown in the previous figures. This
representation also omits some components. In the first shelf row
10 shown in the back, there are two shelves disposed side by side
in this representation, with horizontal shelf surfaces 11. It can
be seen that the distance between the individual shelf surfaces may
vary even within a shelf. It is also seen that both input devices
61, 60 and the output device 70 extend out beyond the front side of
the commissioning device 1, ending in a removal area 71 and two
holding areas 62, 63.
[0064] FIG. 7 shows a detail view of the gripping device 50 of the
operating unit 40 as well as the arrangement off the gripping
device 50 between the first (e.g., right) and the second (e.g.,
left) shelf row 10, 20, the shelf surfaces 11, 21 of the shelf rows
10, 20 being visible. The gripping device 50 of the operating unit
40 includes a holding surface 51 that is in the form of a holding
table in the embodiment shown. There are two loading edges 52, 53
disposed at opposite ends of the holding surface 51, the loading
edges 52, 53 ending just prior to the end edges/loading edges of
the respective shelf surfaces 11, 21 of the first and the second
shelf rows 10, 20. For example, lane 30 between the first and the
second shelf rows 10, 20 is almost completely traversed, but the
freedom of motion of the operating unit 40 in the lane is
maintained. A corresponding configuration of the holding table and
the holding surface 51 makes it possible to remove piece goods from
the horizontal shelf surfaces 11 and to directly push these piece
goods on or over the holding surface 51 to an inclined shaft 22
without having to move the holding table or the gripping device 50
to one of the shelf rows 10, 20.
[0065] To remove and move the piece goods, the gripping device 50
includes a gripper 54 that is designed as a jaw-type gripper with
two gripping jaws 54a, 54b in the embodiment shown. Here, at least
one of the two gripping jaws 54a, 54b of the gripper is pivotable
in such a way that piece goods may be clamped between the gripping
jaws 54a, 54b and thereby pulled from a horizontal shelf surface 11
onto the holding surface 51 of the gripping device 50. To this end,
the gripper 54 is configured such that the gripping jaws 54a, 54b
may be pushed into a shelf, wherein the insertion depth into the
shelf depends on how many piece goods are to be removed from the
corresponding shelf surface 11.
[0066] In order to move the piece goods from the holding surface 51
to the inclined storage shafts 22, the gripping device 50 includes
a pushing device 55 in the embodiment shown. The pushing device 55
includes two pushers 55a, 55b that are movable in a notch 51a of
the holding surface 51. Further, the pushers 55a, 55b in the
embodiment shown are disposed in such a way that they may be moved
under the plane of the holding surface 51. The pushers 55a, 55b
include a pushing finger 56a, 56b that may be moved over a
respective loading edge. With reference to pushing finger 56a,
which is associated with loading edge 52, this means that the
pushing finger 56a may be moved over loading edge 52. This is
particularly important as the piece goods may be pushed onto the
horizontal shelf surfaces 11 in such a way that the piece goods do
not protrude out over the front loading edge 11a of the horizontal
shelf surfaces 11.
[0067] Concerning pusher 55b, which is associated with loading edge
53, which is in turn associated with the second shelf row 20,
pushing finger 56b may be moved over loading edge 53. This provides
that piece goods lying on holding surface 51 may be pushed to a
storage shaft 22 in such a way that the center of gravity of a
piece good is pushed over loading edge 21a of the inclined shelf
surface 21. Thus, the piece goods are certain to slide by the force
of gravity in the inclined storage shaft 22 up to the gate (not
shown in this representation) or up to a piece good that is already
located in the storage shaft 22.
[0068] FIG. 8 shows another detailed view of the gripping device
50. What is particularly recognizable is that the pushers 55a, 55b
may move inside of a notch 51a in the holding surface 51. In this
representation, it can also be seen that the pushing finger 56a of
pusher 55a may move over loading edge 52. The gripping device 50 of
the operating unit 40 is arranged in such a way that piece goods
may be removed from the input device 60. To do so, the pushers 55a,
55b must be movable under the plane of the holding surface 51. The
arrangement and representation of the pushers 55a, 55b in FIG. 8
are for illustrative purposes only, as the pushers 55a, 55b are not
so positioned while the commissioning device 1 is operating.
[0069] FIG. 9 shows a detailed view of multiple inclined storage
shafts 22 formed on an inclined shelf surface 21. The individual
storage shafts 22 are separated from one another by way of
separating walls 25 that are disposed parallel to one another on
the inclined shelf surface 21. At the lower end 24 of each inclined
storage shaft 22 is a gate 23 that permits individual piece goods
to be output out of the inclined storage shaft 22. The piece goods
output from the storage shaft 22 fall onto the output device 70 by
virtue of the arrangement of the inclined storage shaft 22 and the
output device 70, and are output thereby through an opening in the
front side of the commissioning device 1.
[0070] Also disposed on the inclined shelf surface 21 shown in FIG.
9 is the auxiliary output device 80, by way of which shelf-type
piece goods 7 in particular may be output from the horizontal shelf
surface 11. In some embodiments, the auxiliary output device 80 may
also include two or more storage shaft widths or may be disposed
next to the second shelf row 20 as a separate component, for
example. The auxiliary output device 80 as shown here is a passive
output device. For example, the piece goods are not moved by way of
a motion by the output device itself. The auxiliary output device
80 may also be configured as an active output device. For example,
as a conveyor belt that may be led directly out of the
commissioning device 1.
[0071] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another embodiment,
wherein in this embodiment horizontal storage shafts 22' are used.
Here, the other components correspond substantially to those of the
first embodiment so that there is no need to provide a detailed
description. FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of a shelf surface of a
shelf of the second shelf row 20 of the second embodiment, wherein
the shelf surfaces 21 are configured to be horizontal. At the ends
24 of the shelf surfaces 21 are gates 23, there being a gate 23
associated with each storage shaft 22' and which may be operated
separately by way of the control unit 90.
[0072] In this embodiment, the second shelf row 20 includes
conveying device 28 for moving piece goods in the storage shafts
22'. In the embodiment shown, the conveying device 28 is configured
as a conveyor belt beneath the surfaces of the storage shafts 22',
wherein the surfaces of the storage shafts 22' have a notch through
which a section of the conveying device 28 extends at least in
sections so that there is contact between the stored piece goods
and the conveying device 28. If a piece good is to be output, a
gate 23 (or a plurality of gates) is opened and the conveying
device 28 is activated. The conveying device 28 acts on all storage
shafts 22' of the shelf surface 21, but where there are storage
shafts 22' with unopened gates 23, the piece goods only move up
against the gates 23 and are not output.
[0073] Methods of outputting piece goods using a commissioning
device 1 are described below with reference to FIGS. 12a, 12b-15a,
15b, each of which show different respective method steps
schematically. The figures are very simplified and only the
essential features are shown and described.
[0074] FIGS. 12A and 12B show two stages of a first embodiment of a
method. The control unit 90 first determines whether the at least
one piece good to be output is a shaft good 6 or a shelf good 7,
the determination coming in reaction to an output request to the
control unit 90. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 12A,
12B, a shelf good 7 stored on horizontal shelf surface 11'' is
requested via an output request. The gripping device 50 is then
moved to the horizontal shelf surface 11.'' As soon as the gripping
device 50 is correctly positioned, the piece good 7 in question is
grasped and moved to the holding surface. The gripping device 50 is
moved to the auxiliary output device 80 and as soon as the gripping
device 50 is correctly positioned, the piece good 7 is pushed onto
the auxiliary output device 80 and proceeds therefrom to the output
device 70, which moves the piece good 7 out of the commissioning
device 1.
[0075] In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the
output request is for four shaft goods 7. This kind of piece good
is normally stored in inclined shaft 22. However, here the control
unit 90 has determined that only one piece good 6' is present in
inclined shaft 22. The gripping device 50 is then moved to shelf
surface 11' where four piece goods 6' meeting the output request
are stored as excess supply. All four piece goods 6' are grasped by
the gripping device 50. Since it was determined that only one piece
good 6' is present in inclined storage shaft 22, but the output
request was for four piece goods, the gripping device 50 moves to
the auxiliary output device 80 and all piece goods 6' located on
the gripping device 50 are output using the auxiliary output device
80 and the output device 70.
[0076] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the output
request is for two piece goods that are normally stored in inclined
storage shaft 22. However, here the control unit 90 has determined
that inclined storage shaft 22 is empty. Four piece goods 6 meeting
the output request are removed from horizontal shelf surface 11'
using the gripping device 50. Then, the gripping device 50 is moved
in front of inclined storage shaft 22 and all piece goods 6 lying
on the gripping device 50 are moved to inclined shaft 22. However,
since the output request only included two piece goods 6, only two
piece goods 6 are output and the other two piece goods 6 removed
from horizontal shelf surface 11' remain in inclined storage shaft
22.
[0077] In embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, two piece
goods are again requested, and it is again determined that no piece
goods meeting the output request are located in inclined storage
shaft 22. Then, four piece goods 6 are grasped from horizontal
shelf surface 11' using the gripping device 50. In these
embodiments, the gripping device 50 is first moved to the auxiliary
output device 80 and two of the four piece goods 6 located on the
gripping device 50 are output using the auxiliary output device 80.
The gripping device 50 with the two remaining piece goods 6 is
moved to inclined storage shaft 22 and the two remaining piece
goods 6 are moved to the inclined storage shaft 22 where they
remain until the next corresponding output request.
[0078] The variant of the method that is used may depend on the
load on the commissioning device 1 and on the storage situation. In
each case, an optimum outputting variation may be determined by the
control unit 90 for the current output request.
[0079] FIG. 16 shows a flow chart illustrating steps in a method
200 for outputting piece goods, according to some embodiments.
Method 200 may be performed in connection with a commissioning
device (e.g., commissioning device 1) consistent with the present
disclosure. Accordingly, the commissioning device in method 200 may
include shelf rows (e.g., shelf rows 10, 20) for storing piece
goods such as medication packages. A control unit (e.g., control
unit 90) may determine whether a piece good to be output is stored
in a shaft (e.g., shaft-type piece good 6) or stored on a shelf
(e.g., shelf-type piece good 7). A gripping device (e.g., gripping
device 50) may be used to grab a stored shelf good and move the
shelf good to an output device (e.g., auxiliary output device 80),
and then move the shelf good to another output device (e.g., output
device 70) and out of the commissioning device. The gripping device
may also be used to move shelf goods from a storage shelf to a
storage shaft (e.g., inclined storage shaft 22).
[0080] Steps in method 200 may be performed at least partially by
an operator, medical personnel, or a healthcare professional in a
healthcare facility or in a drugstore, or in a pharma manufacturing
facility. Accordingly, method 200 may be part of a medicament
management or a drug logistic prepared by a physician or a
healthcare professional. Moreover, method 200 may be performed
automatically upon execution of a command provided by or controlled
by a healthcare professional. For example, steps in method 200 may
be programmed or directed with commands on computer-readable media,
which, in some embodiments, can comprise non-transitory computer
readable media.
[0081] Methods consistent with the present disclosure may include
at least one of the steps illustrated in FIG. 16, performed in any
order. In some embodiments, a method may include at least two of
the steps illustrated in FIG. 16 performed overlapping in time, or
even simultaneously. Moreover, embodiments consistent with the
present disclosure may include at least one but not all of the
steps illustrated in FIG. 16. Furthermore, methods consistent with
the present disclosure may include more steps, in addition to at
least one of the steps illustrated in FIG. 16. In some embodiments,
one or more steps may be repeated.
[0082] Step 210 includes receiving a request at a control unit for
outputting one or more piece goods. Step 220 includes determining
by the control unit whether the piece goods to be output are stored
on a shelf or in a shaft. In some embodiments, step 220 includes
determining that all of the stored piece goods needed to meet the
request are stored on one or more shelves, stored in one or more
storage shafts, or a combination of both. Step 230 includes
providing all of the requested piece goods to an output device. In
some embodiments, step 230 includes moving one or more of the piece
goods by a gripping device directly to the output device or to an
auxiliary device that then moves the piece goods to the output
device. Step 240 includes outputting the selected piece goods from
the commissioning device.
[0083] It is understood that any specific order or hierarchy of
blocks in the methods or processes disclosed is an illustration of
example approaches. Based upon design or implementation
preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy
of blocks in the processes may be rearranged, or that all
illustrated blocks be performed. In some implementations, any of
the blocks may be performed simultaneously.
[0084] The present disclosure is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described
herein. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject
technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these
examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other aspects.
[0085] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather
"one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term
"some" refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his)
include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and vice
versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience
only and do not limit the invention.
[0086] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various
alternative configurations and operations described herein may be
considered to be at least equivalent.
[0087] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a
series of items, with the term "or" to separate any of the items,
modifies the list as a whole, rather than each item of the list.
The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least
one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at
least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any
combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items.
By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A, B, or C" may
refer to: only A, only B, or only C; or any combination of A, B,
and C.
[0088] A phrase such as an "aspect" does not imply that such aspect
is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies
to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure
relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or
more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A
phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice
versa. A phrase such as an "embodiment" does not imply that such
embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such
embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology.
A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all
embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide
one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one
or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a
"configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential
to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all
configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to
a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more
configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A
phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations
and vice versa.
[0089] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements,
values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other
specifications that are set forth in this specification, including
in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. In one
aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is
consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is
customary in the art to which they pertain.
[0090] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of
steps, operations or processes disclosed is an illustration of
exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is
understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps,
operations or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps,
operations or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or
all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed
automatically, without the intervention of a user. The accompanying
method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps,
operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be
limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
[0091] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of
the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are
known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the
art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended
to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein
is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether
such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim
element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112 (f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase
"means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is
recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent
that the term "include," "have," or the like is used, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprise"
as "comprise" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word
in a claim.
[0092] The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the
Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated
into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of
the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted
with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed
Description, it can be seen that the description provides
illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together
in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the
disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as
reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires
more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as
the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less
than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation.
The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately
claimed subject matter.
[0093] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects
described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent
with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents.
Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject
matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.
* * * * *